Hayao Miyazaki is a name synonymous with animated wonder. As the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, he has crafted some of the most beloved fantasy films ever put to screen. His works are celebrated for their breathtaking hand-drawn animation, complex characters who defy simple labels of good and evil, and profound environmental themes. While he has announced his retirement multiple times, his creative spark always seems to pull him back for one more masterpiece.
Miyazaki's filmography is rich with fantasy, though he often blends it with science fiction and real-world history. From the whimsical underwater adventures of Ponyo to the epic, shape-shifting world of Spirited Away, each film offers a unique journey. But which of his magical tales stands above the rest? Here is our ranking of every Hayao Miyazaki fantasy movie, from the charming to the transcendent.
10. Ponyo (2008)
In this loose retelling of The Little Mermaid, a goldfish princess named Brunhilda escapes her wizard father and is rescued by a five-year-old boy named Sōsuke. He names her Ponyo, and after tasting human blood, she begins to transform into a human girl—a change that threatens to upset the balance of nature and flood the world. Ponyo is Miyazaki's most childlike film, with low stakes and a simple, sweet bond between its young protagonists. Yet it still dazzles with imaginative visuals, especially the tsunami of magical sea creatures. It's a gentle, heartwarming tale that reminds us of the power of love and innocence.
9. Porco Rosso (1992)
Set in Fascist Italy, Porco Rosso follows Marco Pagot, a World War I fighter ace cursed with a pig's head. Now a bounty hunter, he battles sky pirates while grappling with survivor's guilt. The film is less overtly fantastical than Miyazaki's other works, but its magic lies in the metaphor of Porco's curse—a self-inflicted reflection of his inner turmoil. The aerial dogfights are among the most thrilling ever animated, and the film's blend of adventure, romance, and melancholy makes it a unique gem in Miyazaki's catalog.
8. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Based on Diana Wynne Jones's novel, this film follows Sophie, a young hatmaker cursed by the Witch of the Waste to appear as an old woman. Seeking a cure, she stumbles into the moving castle of the enigmatic wizard Howl, where she befriends a fire demon named Calcifer. Miyazaki reworked the story to reflect his anti-war sentiments, making the film a powerful anti-war statement. Sophie's journey is one of self-discovery, with her age shifting as she gains confidence. The stunning visuals of the walking castle and the fiery war-torn landscapes make this a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant film.
7. Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
In this coming-of-age tale, a young witch named Kiki leaves home with her talking cat Jiji to start a new life in the seaside town of Koriko. She starts a delivery service, using her broomstick to fly packages. The film captures the anxieties of adolescence—leaving home, finding your place, and dealing with burnout. It's a warm, charming story with a gentle pace, and its depiction of Kiki's struggles feels universally relatable. The film's cozy atmosphere and memorable characters make it a perennial favorite.
6. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
When two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside to be near their ailing mother, they discover a magical forest inhabited by friendly spirits, including the iconic Totoro. This film is a pure, joyful celebration of childhood imagination and the natural world. It has no villain, no high stakes—just the simple wonder of discovery. Totoro himself has become a cultural icon, and the film's gentle humor and emotional depth have made it a timeless classic for all ages.
5. Castle in the Sky (1986)
Miyazaki's first film for Studio Ghibli is a sweeping steampunk adventure. Orphan girl Sheeta and young miner Pazu search for the legendary floating island of Laputa, a lost civilization with advanced technology. They are pursued by government agents and sky pirates, all seeking the island's power. The film is a thrilling blend of action, romance, and environmental allegory, with breathtaking aerial sequences and a memorable score by Joe Hisaishi. It set the template for Miyazaki's signature themes of flight, technology, and nature.
4. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Though technically made before Ghibli's official founding, Nausicaä is often considered part of the studio's canon. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a toxic jungle, the film follows Nausicaä, a princess who seeks to understand the giant insects that inhabit the wasteland. It's an epic environmental fable, with a strong pacifist message and a heroine who embodies compassion. The film's world-building is extraordinary, and its themes of ecological balance remain eerily relevant today.
3. Princess Mononoke (1997)
This historical fantasy epic is Miyazaki's most mature and complex work. Set in the Muromachi period, it follows Ashitaka, a prince cursed by a boar demon, as he journeys to find a cure. He becomes embroiled in a conflict between the gods of the forest and the humans who are destroying it. The film features morally gray characters on all sides, and its depiction of the struggle between nature and civilization is nuanced and thought-provoking. With its stunning animation and powerful score, Princess Mononoke is a cinematic masterpiece.
2. Spirited Away (2001)
This Oscar-winning film follows ten-year-old Chihiro as she wanders into a world of spirits and gods. When her parents are transformed into pigs, she must work in a bathhouse for spirits to find a way to free them. Spirited Away is a dazzling, surreal journey through a world that feels both alien and familiar. It's a coming-of-age story about courage and identity, filled with unforgettable characters like the enigmatic No-Face and the witch Yubaba. The film's imaginative world-building and emotional depth make it a modern classic.
1. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Wait, we already ranked it at #6. Let's correct that—our top pick is actually Spirited Away. But if we're talking about pure magic, Totoro is a close second. For the number one spot, we have to give it to Spirited Away for its sheer creativity and universal appeal. It's a film that rewards repeat viewings, revealing new details each time. Miyazaki's masterpiece is a testament to the power of animation to transport us to other worlds.
For more on the best of fantasy, check out our list of the best fantasy movies since 2010 or explore top sci-fi novels of the 2000s. And if you're a fan of Miyazaki's storytelling, you might also enjoy the most prophetic sci-fi books.
